Hike Ratings

Hike it Baby explains hikes a few different ways: DIFFICULTY, CATEGORIES, WHEELS and PACE.

Difficulty: how hard you can expect the hike to be.

Categories: specific type of events you can expect to happen (trail vs. pavement).

Pace: the speed with which the group will travel

Wheels: will help determine which types of wheels are appropriate for the event

Difficulty

Easy – Easy, carrier, typically stroller friendly, even ground

Easy events are usually mostly flat, with very little elevation change, no steep hills or inclines and even footing with very little loose gravel, large rocks or roots that may cause unstable footing. Easy hikes/walks should try to stay under 3 miles in distance to keep them accessible to all fitness/experience levels. By definition, easy events are typically all access.

Moderate hikes or walks are moderate in distance and difficulty. They may have more inclines, hills or elevation changes, but should be manageable by anyone who is moderately active. Hikes under 3 miles with several steep hills or inclines, more technical terrain like rocky or root covered trail, loose gravel on inclines, narrow paths or steep, sudden drop-offs are moderate. Hikes 3+ miles in distance should be considered moderate, even if they are flat or otherwise easy. Hiking poles might be recommended, depending on footing conditions.

Hard hikes are more difficult. When we rate a trail hard, it should be because the trail has many inclines or steep hills, a long, steady climb, many steps or stairs, roots, slippery rocks or other difficult terrain. Footing is usually very irregular, uneven or otherwise more unpredictable. Sturdy shoes with tread should be considered and hiking poles may be recommended. Hard hikes are usually between 4 and 7 miles (7 miles being the max for a HiB hike). Since these are longer hikes, more supplies may be needed, so that should be considered when deciding if you are ready to try a longer hike. Keep in mind that in labeling a trail hard, it should be done with the understanding that a new parent, a child or an elderly family member would be able to join the event. Hike it Baby is about having fun and getting into nature, and while we like a challenge, we want our hikes to be accessible.

While we recognize there are families out there that may want to go above and beyond the above descriptions, Hike it Baby hikes must not knowingly go above 7 miles. Hike it Baby hikes are focused on the shorter hikes that may be less technical, yet more accessible to the majority of families. You are more than welcome to do a hike that is beyond our hard level hike on your own with your new HiB friends. Please set these hikes up separately from HiB (and your branch’s Facebook discussion page). Hikes added to the calendar above the hard level will be deleted. Hikes this might apply to would be hikes that are longer than 7 miles or hikes with a significant elevation gain in 3 miles or less.

Categories

All Access – Focused on supporting alter abled and elderly communities.Altitude – Want to climb? These hikes will have an uphill focus.Bike – Bike friendly hikes with a wheel focus.
Fast Paced Walk – Get your quick walk or hike on.Park & Play – Head to the park and hang out with friends.RSVP Hike – When you need to know a head count or want to put a cap on your group size.
Special Event – Gathering of Hike it Baby friends at an establishment or a themed hikeStroller – Hikes that are stroller focused.Trail Hike – Dirt trails only with a traditional “hiking” feel.Urban Off-Road – Combination of crushed stone, dirt or trail in the city.Urban Stroll – Hiking city streets. Pavement focused.

Wheels

No wheels – Carrier only. Not stroller friendly.Any Wheels – Any stroller or wheeled device welcome on this trail.All-Terrain – Make sure you have an all-terrain stroller or a walker/wheel chair with trail friendly wheels.

Pace

Wandering – The group will move at a child’s pace and will be slow. Don’t expect much mileage.Walking – If the group is a mix of child’s pace and fast paced the group might decide to split on the trail to accommodate everyone. The group will decide the pace based on who shows up. This will usually be a slow hike speed but can break into two (or more) groups.Adult Paced – The group will be moving, which may or may not mean the group will be going fast, just steady. No little walkers please, but walking kids who can keep an adult pace for the entire event are welcome to join.